The Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County is investing $300,000 over two years to establish a new local news student learning lab at The Media School at Indiana University to strengthen local journalism across southern Indiana.
The local news lab will partner with existing local news organizations to expand coverage of underreported community issues — while providing students with paid, hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in community journalism.
“Through this partnership with Indiana University, we’re not only expanding coverage across the Indiana Uplands region; we’re also helping build a stronger pipeline of journalists equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to report thoughtfully on local communities throughout their careers,” said President and CEO Tina Peterson.
“At the heart of the Community Foundation is a vision for a vibrant Monroe County where every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” added Peterson. “Access to trusted information is vital for residents to feel connected and empowered to participate in civic decisions that shape their daily lives.”
This grant builds on the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support a more resilient local & regional news ecosystem through collaborations, research, and capacity-building initiatives. For more information, visit: https://cfbmc.org/local-news/